Prayer Service: Welcome Back to School

This prayer service will bring students, teachers and families together as they ask God’s blessing on the new school year.

By Jean Grant

OPENING SONG: Canticle of the Sun or some other appropriate hymn

LEADER—In the fall, there is a contradiction in nature visible in our world. Flowers are fading, days are growing shorter, and temperatures warmed by the sunshine of the day become crispy and cold in the black of night. Despite these signs of change, we find hillsides exploding in vibrant colors. Animals scurry about stacking up food stores for the winter. Blustery winds push dry, crunchy leaves across the pavement.

ALL: (Psalm 100:1-2) Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

READER 1: Change. Change is hard and we must be brave to welcome what comes our way rather than turn sour and feel dejected. It may not be fully planned, but it is our path. We have a choice in our direction. Our reaction can affect the lives of those we meet. Every action of ours results in a reaction in our world.

ALL: (Psalm 101:1-2) I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to thee, O Lord, I will sing. I will give heed to the way that is blameless. Oh when wilt thou come to me?

READER 2: The school year is beginning. Blank pads of paper, pointy crayons, and newly sharpened pencils await. Our spirits are eager to use our talents and gifts from God, and build on our previous knowledge. We also have a clean slate to build new and improved relationships with classmates, faculty, and brand new students to our school.

ALL: (Psalm 102:1-2) Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to thee! Do not hide thy face from me in the day of my distress! Incline thy ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!

LEADER: We come before Jesus, and ask him to bless us and give us the tools, talents and gifts to honor God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Response is “Lord, hear our prayer,” to each petition.

READER 3: For patience in doing our best work on all assignments. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For creativity. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For imagination. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For the gift of memorization. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For reading skills. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For the desire to participate fully in class discussions. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For a spirit of cooperation with students and teachers. (Lord, hear our prayer.)